The 2011 season was Jeff Hanson's second year at Virginia after working for two seasons under Mike London at Richmond as his assistant head coach/recruiting coordinator/defensive line coach, helping the Spiders to the 2008 FCS National Championship and a share of the 2009 CAA crown.

Hanson has done a remarkable job turning the Cavalier defensive lines into one of the top units in the ACC and, at the same time, coordinating the UVa recruiting efforts to help attract some of the nation's top high school student-athletes. On the recruiting front, Hanson has worked tirelessly with London to reestablish ties with high school coaches in the state and the results have been noticeable on National Letter of Intent day.

Hanson helped Virginia land back-to-back recruiting classes in 2011 and 2012 that were ranked among the top 30 in the nation.

In 2011, Hanson's defensive line proved to be both tough to run against and aggressive in getting after opponent quarterbacks in passing situations.

Senior Matt Conrath was honored as a first-team All-ACC selection. He spearheaded a unit that ranked No. 3 in the ACC in total defense and No. 5 in defending the run. In 2011 the Cavaliers held opponents to 139.5 rushing yards per game. The season before Hanson joined the staff, the UVa defense surrendered 173.8 rushing yards per contest (2009).

Hanson returned to London's staff at Richmond in February 2008 after a one-year stint at VMI. He played for the Spiders and graduated in 1972 and has enjoyed three separate stints on the Spiders' football coaching staff, serving from 1971-79 under Frank Jones and Jim Tait and again from 1989-2006 under Jim Reid and Dave Clawson.

As the Spiders' defensive line coach, Hanson guided Lawrence Sidbury and Sherman Logan to arguably the most prolific season by a tandem of defensive ends in Richmond history. Sidbury, an All-American, and Logan combined for 17.5 of the team's 36 sacks in 2008 and each earned all-league honors in the CAA.

Boasting 39 years of collegiate coaching experience - 28 with Richmond - Hanson spent 2007 with Reid at VMI where he was the Keydets' defensive line coach and the program's Chief of Staff.

A native of Beloit, Wis., Hanson graduated from Beloit High School in 1967 and came to Richmond as a linebacker. He played on the 1968 Tangerine Bowl championship team and coached the 1971 Tangerine Bowl team.

Hanson remained with the Spiders as a graduate assistant, coaching the freshmen defensive lineman from 1971-73 while completing his degree in physical education and his master of education. Hanson then became a full-time member of Richmond's staff, working with the tight ends and receivers during his first year and with the defense for the next four seasons.

Hanson and his wife DeDe have three daughters, Laurie, Kristin and Katie.